https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LbHz7SkqXzA&feature=youtube_gdata_playerTonight Matt and I went to see "Guardians of the Galaxy" at Cinemark Movies 10 on Plainfield Road. We tryly had a blast watching this movie!! I mean I seriously was laughing over and over, and I never laugh. This movie has everything. . HumorTechnologyTalking plantsRomanceVillainsHeroesIf you haven't taken your teen to see it you should while it's still in 3D at the dollar show (well, $3.25/ each). Sent from my T-Mobile Android device

Good morning! Hoping your morning is peaceful. As so much utter insanity spreads across the country our lives are all changing and the terms "safe" and "peaceful" don't seem such an attainable given any longer. Daily I find my perspective changing and must be proactive as events in the US unfold. In watching riots that have spread across the country I have, unfortunately, eliminated some areas I used to deliver Avon to and will simply have to have those customers come to my home to pick up brochures and products. The risk of being white in a black neighborhood is too high. Sad but I have to consider my family's safety first. Maybe my lovely customers will enjoy stopping by? And, as radiation levels across the country seem to be rising (probably a product of t continued Fukoshima meltdowns), we are trying to remember our nascent iodine to cleanse and protect our bodies.For the next three mornings we will be back to three drops in water before breakfast, then one drop every morning after that. And at bedtime? Well, a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in water eliminates a good portion of consumed fat!! We did a weigh-in last night and the results were unpleasant. . I think the stress lately has affected us. And, honestly, my focus has been on refinancing the house and not at all on our health. Definitely time to get back on track!! Sent from my T-Mobile Android device

I walked 2384 steps. . . A day of mostly balancing rent books at work. . Then supper at Denny's on Plainfield Road with Matthew. . And trying a Grandslamwich! Not many calories burned, but still a good day. . Sent from my T-Mobile Android device

Thursday, November 27, 2014

Wow! We are really getting so close to the end of 2014. Where did it go? What has been accomplished and where am I going from here? As I head into the final days of this year I am making some serious changes to my entire situation. I'm looking at quality of life and what I can do right now to improve that. I'm drawing some lines in the sand too. . . what side are you on? Are you here as a member of my team? Is your main purpose to find humor in my failings?

2015 will be different AND better . . .Going forward at full steam. . . Don't look back. . . Take no prisoners!!!Sent from my T-Mobile Android device

Wednesday, November 26, 2014

Hi! Isn't this ankle bracelet just too cute?!?! I got it from Avon. Actually, it's marketed as a tennis bracelet, but I am so loving it as an ankle bracelet. Not bad for $5.00 . . .Want one?www.youravon.com/karenjoyceand look for the Breast Cancer Crusade Ribbon Tennis Bracelet!! Sent from my T-Mobile Android device

Today I decided to have my lunch at the Wendy's at Center St and Jefferson St in Joliet, IL and was pleasantly surprised by the excellent service I received!!! Not only was Gwendolyn attentive and polite, she made sure I had everything I needed with my meal, even suggestive selling with a smile(something I never see any more)!!Thank you so much, Gwendolyn, for making my lunch break a truly relaxing experience.Sent from my T-Mobile Android device

Sunday, November 16, 2014

As I sit reading Luke 5 tonight it occurs to me the dreams I've been having are showing me a beautiful future He has for me and that, even though some of my dreams seemed so homeless I shelved them, He makes dreams come true!!! Now, mind you, I'm not looking for boats full of fresh fish or an overflowing bank account. . .. but there are dreams I have to save souls and comfort the homeless and children. Some of those dreams simply require way more than I can do on my own. But, through faith and trust in Him. . My dreams will be realized!!! Sent from my T-Mobile Android device

Wednesday, November 12, 2014

Furnace has kicked on three (3)times since I started hitting snooze alarm!!! Giving my hard earned money to Nicor gas is highly unacceptable so I have to keep a fire going all night from now on. The trick is to keep the house toasty all night so the furnace doesn't need to Ever kick on. I keep the furnace set at 55F just so water pipes don't freeze. At this setting, with a little diligence, I can keep the furnace from handing my money over to Nicor about 99% of the time!!!!Sent from my T-Mobile Android device

Tuesday, November 11, 2014

Cloudscaping of the impending polar vortex encroach upon our humble homestead. It is currently 39F and dropping. Our high tomorrow will be in the 30's so it will be darn chilly tonight! Sent from my T-Mobile Android device

Sunday, November 9, 2014

Good morning!!! How are you on this fine morning? I woke at 7:16am for some odd reason and never fell back asleep. Actually I was almost back asleep at 8:00am when the church across the street started their service loudly and the bass was Boom Boom Boom so I got up. . I started coffee, washed dishes, stoked the fire and washed laundry. . . Then? On to setting up on my bed to prep Avon brochures to give out. . Two slices Pepperidge Farms pumpkin spice swirl toast topped with Country Crock pumpkin spread!! Yummy!!! Matt finally woke up, stripped his bed and got a hot bath before making toast and heading out to clean gutters before the polar vortex arrives. . . Being this is my only day off work, it is a day of catch up and, possibly (if chores were done during precious week), relaxation. . . Sent from my T-Mobile Android device

Worked 8 hours, voted, laundry going, fire going, vacuumed living room, had Matt haul wood in from car and cabbage from garden. . . now? Matt made us a delicious supper and washed some dishes while I got a Hot bath. . . . almost time for Matt's bath and for me to fold laundry. . . Really, though, I'm super sleepy and just wanna rest. . . . Reality and the grown-up world call and I must fold all this crazy clean laundry I dumped on my bed. . . Laundry Fairy, where are you????!!Sent from my T-Mobile Android device

Good morning! Just wanted to share a quick thought about a movie Matt and I saw Sunday. HerculesWe went to the first showing at Cinemark 10 so it was only $1.25/ticket!!! This movie was really good and I must admit I was surprised. I was expecting to see a kids movie and was thrilled to experience a well made film. The costumes were fantastic and the story line was very easy to follow. Matt and I chuckled quite often and cheered too! After the movie we compared notes on what were our favorite weapons and how we could make these ourselves. I would definitely recommend this movie.Sent from my T-Mobile Android device

This is an adorable shed on the property. It looks as though one section may have been, at least in part, used as a chicken coop. It has three doors to three separate sections on the from side and the middle section resembles a coop set up. This end, though, with a spit that presumably once held a window box, was probably a playhouse for a cherished little girl. And from there my mind wanders and I wonder if children ever lived here? This would have been an idyllic place to grow up!!Sent from my T-Mobile Android device

Despite its serious need for repairs this us a really beautiful house. It would cost a fortune to repair it, if that is even at all possible, but would so be worth the effort and expense. Maybe it's the leaded glass windows or the screened porch, but this humble home packs a wallop of romance no girl can deny! Sent from my T-Mobile Android device

Good morning and welcome back! I just want to share with you about our adventure in the woods yesterday (note: this will take several posts as I took so many interesting photos!!). Our adventure took place in Pilcher Park at a site that only recently became available to explore. Previously this site had been privately owned, but, way before that, it had been the site of the riding stables for the park.A lot of history here. Also many rumors and mysteries abound concerning the previous owner and activities at the site. I can tell you that, although it's very peaceful there deep in the woods, it's also very creepy. As I don't know how much truth surrounds the urban legends about this place I won't share those here, but leave it up to you to explore the area, ask questions and decide for yourself. Please, come back and comment on the photos and share a few of your own. Let us know what you decide.